New mineral makeup line for women of color

I am so happy to announce the launch of this new mineral makeup line! Valana Minerals was started by local beautypreneur Valerie Reed. When I first arrived in San Diego and taught my first Create Your Organic/Natural Beauty Business workshop at The Learning Annex, Valerie was there front and center with a great idea. Many women that day had wonderful ideas for products, yet I've heard from none of them since. This is to be expected. Often times, myself included, we have great ideas, but not the belief and support to carry the idea into a forward movement. This happens even with exiting companies who contact me to help them expand their line or create a scent. The idea is great, but fear and other distractors take us away from our end goal: creating the life and lifestyle of our own making. To succeed or fail on our terms. Valerie took the step.

Valana Minerals offers women of color a selection of colors that truly mirror the variety and beauty of dark skin. Don't confuse this as product for black women only. Asian, hispanic, African, multi-racial and Arabic women all have issues at the cosmetics counter. A great example of this extends into Hollywood, even. I was watching a past episode of Grey's Anatomy, the spin-off version they had on a few weeks ago. The black female doctor that was featured on that episode was in dire need of complexion compatible makeup. She looked grey -- that's the issue. When we put on makeup that doesn't quite blend we either look ashy and dry, too dark for the rest of our bodies or too light.

The issue is the inconsistency of the color of our faces. I have a yellow to neutral undertone, and the middle of my face is lighter than the sides of my face, which is not quite as dark as my forehead. One color does not fit all. Valerie had this same issue. She is dark skin woman and knows the drama.

I know buying makeup from a site and judging whether the colors are accurate can be a pain in the butt -- hence, the Sample Purchase Program. Try out the colors you like for just $2 bucks each and when you order at least six, you receive a $10 gift card that can be used on your next order of $50 or more. I already see that Ebony Fire and Golden Sand are must buys!

And because girls just gotta share the love, there's also a very cute Girlfriends and Coffee Set. You get two eye colors, brushes, a vegan lip gloss and one of these cute little bags. Love this!

Ladies, give this line a try. I am always so happy when women release the fear and take that step and as a black woman, I'm stoked that I now have a new product that might help me to be just one beautiful shade of brown!

Comments

[Nicole]

I wasn't too impressed. I was expecting something great but it reminded me a lot of bare minerals (not in a good way). Upon a suggestion I went on and ordered samples from Mineral Indulgence as they are also a mineral makeup line for women of color. They are also the only mineral makeup line that is TRULY natural that has liquid foundation...so I went on and tried the product. I ordered a customized shade of Silk Foundation and the powder that came with the dispensing brush as well as the primer and was REALLY pleased with the results. I feel as if I am wearing nothing at all, and the coverage is really nice...even in flourescent lighting! I will definitely be a consistent customer and have just placed my order for their eye shadows which I heard via a friend of mine are similar to M.A.C. eyeshadows as the colors are VERY intense. So I'm really excited. This is definitely a staple product, they customize makeup shades, lipsticks, and eyeshadow shades free of extra charge as well...so I advise all women of color (especially us sistahs) to give it a try. Definitely worth the money.

[Sharon Brown]

I like Mineral Indulgence because they have alot of natural shades that look good on my skin. My husband doesnt like makeup so finding this product line was good thing because he cant tell when I have it on or not. I also like the fact the their makeup is water proof and stays on all day even in the hot summer months here in the south. Their prices for the mineral makeup is good too and they give you a lot for your money. http://mineralindulgence.com/Powders.html

[cheryl]

I received several samples of Valana's mineral makeup and I was very impressed. I was not surprised though. I knew when a woman of color introduced a healthy brand of mineral makeup, it would be the bomb. I am so glad and thankful for this product. Now when I put my minerals on, I don't have to contend with doing a lot of tricks to get the ash tone from my complexion.

[Alejandra]

I've used different cosmetic products throughout my life. I've tried the ones I find at my local drug store as well as the ones behind department stores. My needs are rather specific, not just because I have a combination skin in terms of my color, but also in terms of my skin's moisture. I tend to be oily across my forehead and in the past had issues with acne. The products I've used in the past not only have missed the mark in matching my tan to olive undertones, but they did not work with my oily skin. Some of the foundations that promised help with my oily skin have irritated my skin, made it look ashy and or produce a lot more oil. I actually had given up on my attempt to find makeup that would work just fine. Then about a month ago, I learned of Valana Minerals and though skeptic at first, I went for a makeover. And a makeover it was. I was made over from the inside out. I finally found a makeup that, rather than correcting or covering my flaws, does a perfect job enhancing my natural beauty. I totally love my Earth Diva foundation and Velvet Guava and Porto Rosa lip creams! Not to mention the indulgent Forest Spirit eye shadow collection. I was so exited with my makeover that I went ahead and did not take off the makeup before my gym session. To my pleasant surprise the make up did not run off or looked pasty after my work out. That was the ultimate test for me, a make up that still looks great after a gym session. I'm a Valana convert!!

[Carol McGrath]

I have been using Valana for a few months and am totally in love with it. It is like wearing nothing and the colors are fabulous. I know, I've had the eye colors all on at one time or another, and once all at one time. Try it, you'll like.

[Wendy J. Kennedy]

I have to admit, I'm a skeptic when it comes bo wearing foundation, as I am a light brown African American Queen and I have been stuck with one shade of foundation from both Fashion Fair and Flori Roberts. As most know, we come in a lot of shades of light brown. Valana's foundation is so light that you forget that you're wearing foundation until you look in the mirror. I also like the fact that it takes only seconds to apply. Until Valana was created, I only wore foundation on special occasions, but now I wear it practically daily to work, plus I don't have to reapply it through the day. I brought my daugher who is several shades darker than I, plus my two neices, who are different shades of light brown, for a make over with Valana products. All of the girls (ages 14 to 16) makeup looked natural on them and at the same time they stood out. I am a Valana customer for life.

[Kimberly]

Okay, so I got the Girlfriends and Coffee set and thought, hmm, what different things can I do with these? I'm particularly happy with Valana's Sparkle Lips Color Stick and how I can dip the brush into the eyeshadow for different lip colors. The eyeshadow colors are so smooth... they blend really nicely with the lipgloss for deeper shiny color. Cheers Valana!

[Karin Garten]

I started using Valana's foundation - Golden Honey - for about a month now and I absolutely love the look and feel of it. The powder is so fine, it actually feels creamy. It stays on all day and looks totally natural. I am also using Valana's Bahia Tan bronzer - just a little dust on my face and I look like as if I'd been to the beach.(I'm a white girl - Andrea is right when she says that this make-up line can be used by most complexions, but it is especially formulated for darker skin tones)Enjoy!